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Boeing 777 heads toward record year on Airbus doubts

“Just this year, we’ve sold more 777-300ERs than Airbus has sold A350-1000s since that airplane was launched in 2006,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes marketing chief Randy Tinseth wrote on his blog Tuesday. “Overall, 163 777-300ERs have been ordered since the last A350-1000 was purchased.”

Air New Zealand celebrated delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER on Dec. 22, 2010. (Boeing)

Boeing has netted orders for 124 777s this year, including six last week, putting 2011 behind only the 2005 record of 153 777s, with three months to go, Tinseth wrote. In January through August, it added orders for 83 777-300ERs. The company now has a total of 1,269 ordered, with a backlog of 313 aircraft.

Airbus has orders for 75 A350-1000s — the company’s largest version of its new composite airliner and its most-direct challenge to the 777.

“Earlier this year, Airbus announced a significant redesign for the A350-1000 that will cause its entry into service to slide,” Tinseth wrote. “While the competition is in disarray as it struggles to find its place in this market segment, the 777 continues to work its magic with both our customers and their passengers.”

Boeing executives are looking into an upgraded 777X but seem content to hold off on a decision until they learn more about the A350-1000.

“As we close in on the 1000th 777 ever produced, I can understand the media’s fascination with the 777X and what’s coming next,” Tinseth wrote. “We’re always looking at the best approach for the program and will continue to work with our customers to make sure we give them what they want. But while we consider the future, let’s take a moment to enjoy the present and an airplane that is the best in its class.”

It’s worth noting that Airbus benefited from delays and issues with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, selling a bunch more of its existing A330 aircraft.

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Workers unroll a red carpet during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to Qatar Airways on Friday, September 30, 2011 at Paine Field in Everett.

Workers unroll a red carpet during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to Qatar Airways on Friday, September 30, 2011 at Paine Field in Everett.

Qatar Airways employees listen during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern airline.

Qatar Airways employees listen during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern airline.

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Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Samah Alsada of the delivery team participate in a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern airline.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Samah Alsada of the delivery team participate in a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern airline.

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Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Boeing Vice President of Middle East Sales Marty Bentrott cut a ribbon during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern airline. less

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Boeing Vice President of Middle East Sales Marty Bentrott cut a ribbon during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern ... more

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Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker speaks as he stands next to Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern airline. less

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker speaks as he stands next to Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern ... more

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Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker speaks as he stands next to Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern airline. less

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker speaks as he stands next to Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh during a ceremony marking the delivery of the 100th 777 to the Middle Eastern ... more

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.